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The Best Winter Clothing System for Outdoor Adventures- A Decade of PNW Testing
Want the outdoor apparel list I’ve never shared—yet everyone wishes they had?
For the first time ever, I’m revealing my true “best of the best” clothing system… the one forged through a lifetime of adventure, a decade of ruthless PNW testing, thousands of wasted dollars, and nonstop trial-by-fire.
Included are 7 of the top 100% waterproof tops, bottoms, and bibs. Then 17 items in my layering system. This list does not include footwear or accessories, But DOES INCLUDE base layers, mid-layers, sweaters, jackets, vests, hiking pants, insulation, and t-shirts. As a bonus, there is information on fit and layering.
I’m not talking about influencer fluff or brand-sponsored favorites, I’m not getting paid. However, I did list things you can easily find new or used. These are the actual pieces that survived years of punishment—freezing summit winds, sideways rain, sweat-drenched climbs, and the kind of bone-chilling dirt-bike descents that turn bad gear into trash instantly.
I’m out there 3–4 times a week, 3–4 hours at a time, in every kind of weather the PNW throws at me during the winter. If something doesn’t work perfectly—it gets cut. Fast. Now that I’m not experimenting any more, this list is for you. A secret lineup of clothing so dialed in, some of it has been around 25+ years and is still crushing every “new” product on the market. These are the pieces that keep me alive and comfortable on the wildest Pup Adventures in the harshest seasons.
***Some of these items contain harmful materials for the ecosystems we love and depend on the most. Some contain animal products which may cause suffering in their production. PLEASE BUY USED. I cannot in good conscience recommend people buy these new, but regardless, when you are done with your items, please consider putting them back into use by posting them for someone else.
Poshmark, Mercari,
Patagonia Worn Wear — Patagonia’s own used‑gear/resale program. You can find lightly used jackets, pants, and gear at discounted prices. Patagonia Worn Wear®+2Patagonia+2
Geartrade — A large nationwide marketplace for used outdoor gear and clothing (jackets, packs, climbing gear, etc.). Great for a wide range of brands. GearJunkie+1
Mercari, Poshmark (apps) and Ebay all sell gently used apparel including the items I’ve listed.
Rerouted — A site dedicated to second‑hand outdoor gear and clothing, often at deep discounts compared with new retail. Rerouted+1
buycycle — Marketplace for used outdoor clothing, sportswear, and gear. Often offers decent deals compared to new retail. Buycycle
SidelineSwap — Their hiking & camping apparel section often includes used jackets, pants, and outerwear from known outdoor brands. SidelineSwap+1
REI "Good & Used" / Used Gear — The used/discount side of REI where you can sometimes find lightly used outdoor clothing, gear, and equipment. The Planet Edit+1
Want the outdoor apparel list I’ve never shared—yet everyone wishes they had?
For the first time ever, I’m revealing my true “best of the best” clothing system… the one forged through a lifetime of adventure, a decade of ruthless PNW testing, thousands of wasted dollars, and nonstop trial-by-fire.
Included are 7 of the top 100% waterproof tops, bottoms, and bibs. Then 17 items in my layering system. This list does not include footwear or accessories, But DOES INCLUDE base layers, mid-layers, sweaters, jackets, vests, hiking pants, insulation, and t-shirts. As a bonus, there is information on fit and layering.
I’m not talking about influencer fluff or brand-sponsored favorites, I’m not getting paid. However, I did list things you can easily find new or used. These are the actual pieces that survived years of punishment—freezing summit winds, sideways rain, sweat-drenched climbs, and the kind of bone-chilling dirt-bike descents that turn bad gear into trash instantly.
I’m out there 3–4 times a week, 3–4 hours at a time, in every kind of weather the PNW throws at me during the winter. If something doesn’t work perfectly—it gets cut. Fast. Now that I’m not experimenting any more, this list is for you. A secret lineup of clothing so dialed in, some of it has been around 25+ years and is still crushing every “new” product on the market. These are the pieces that keep me alive and comfortable on the wildest Pup Adventures in the harshest seasons.
***Some of these items contain harmful materials for the ecosystems we love and depend on the most. Some contain animal products which may cause suffering in their production. PLEASE BUY USED. I cannot in good conscience recommend people buy these new, but regardless, when you are done with your items, please consider putting them back into use by posting them for someone else.
Poshmark, Mercari,
Patagonia Worn Wear — Patagonia’s own used‑gear/resale program. You can find lightly used jackets, pants, and gear at discounted prices. Patagonia Worn Wear®+2Patagonia+2
Geartrade — A large nationwide marketplace for used outdoor gear and clothing (jackets, packs, climbing gear, etc.). Great for a wide range of brands. GearJunkie+1
Mercari, Poshmark (apps) and Ebay all sell gently used apparel including the items I’ve listed.
Rerouted — A site dedicated to second‑hand outdoor gear and clothing, often at deep discounts compared with new retail. Rerouted+1
buycycle — Marketplace for used outdoor clothing, sportswear, and gear. Often offers decent deals compared to new retail. Buycycle
SidelineSwap — Their hiking & camping apparel section often includes used jackets, pants, and outerwear from known outdoor brands. SidelineSwap+1
REI "Good & Used" / Used Gear — The used/discount side of REI where you can sometimes find lightly used outdoor clothing, gear, and equipment. The Planet Edit+1